Manageable chronic conditions account for more deaths in South Africa than infections diseases such as HIV/Aids, malaria and TB. The leading culprits are hypertension, diabetes and obesity, all of which are preventable lifestyle diseases that, if managed properly, need not lead to the alarming mortality rate.

The big three are not only unpleasant and difficult to live with; they are directly responsible for a host of deadly diseases. Hypertension inflates the risk of heart disease, strokes and kidney failure while obesity is a major cause of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Encouraging people to embrace positive lifestyles

Modern medicine has evolved from purely a reactive solution to a more preventative approach. Managing chronic conditions is not only about developing an appropriate drug treatment regimen; it is about encouraging people to embrace positive lifestyle changes.

Both hypertension and diabetes are PMB conditions. This means treatment must be provided, by law, to all medical aid scheme members in full and without co-payment.

Leading medical aids in South Africa have taken it one step further. They have recognised a multifaceted approach to chronic condition management is the appropriate long term strategy.

Apart from providing extensive cover for what are traditionally punitively expensive prescription medications; the best medical aid service providers offer comprehensive chronic condition management programmes together with attractive lifestyle benefits.

We take a look at quality medical aid schemes and their dedicated chronic condition support systems:

Discovery Health

All its medical aid plans offer a chronic illness benefit that provides comprehensive cover for pre-determined conditions. Consultations, diagnostic tests and medicines are PMBs.

Chronic disease management programmes provide information, support and guidance while ChroniCare offers cash backs on specialised goods at Dis-Chem on the completion of relevant health checks. The Vitality wellness programme rewards members for healthier lifestyle choices.

Medshield

Medshield Medical Aid offers extensive chronic benefits on registration of the chronic medicine management programme. Cover is provided for renal dialysis and chronic medicines at a DSP and in line with the scheme formulary.

Disease management programmes such as DiabeticCare and CardioCare educate members on correct medicine management and monitoring; whereas the chronic medicine management programme ensures the most appropriate and cost effective treatment is prescribed.

Momentum Health

Momentum Health Medical Aid provides unlimited chronic cover in all its plans according to the chronic disease list (PMBs). Chronic medications are available at network and non-network providers subject to a reference price list. Consultations are only covered at associate GPs.

Chronic disease management programmes guarantee the most appropriate medications and treatment. A bouquet of value-added products - HealthReturns, HealthSaver and the rewards programme, Multiply - offer cash backs and additional benefits and incentives for embracing a healthier lifestyle.